arXiv · 1406.2481
Nonlinear transport and noise thermometry in quasi-classical ballistic point contacts
Abstract
We study nonlinear transport and non-equilibrium current noise in quasi-classical point contacts (PCs) defined in a low-density high-quality two-dimensional electron system in GaAs. At not too high bias voltages $V$ across the PC the noise temperature is determined by a Joule heat power and almost independent on the PC resistance that can be associated with a self-heating of the electronic system. This commonly accepted scenario breaks down at increasing $V$, where we observe extra noise accompanied by a strong decrease of the PC's differential resistance. The spectral density of the extra noise is roughly proportional to the nonlinear current contribution in the PC $δS\approx2F^*|eδI|\sim V^2$ with the effective Fano factor $F^*<1$, indicating that a random scattering process is involved. A small perpendicular magnetic field is found to suppress both $δI$ and $δS$. Our observations are consistent with a concept of a drag-like mechanism of the nonlinear transport mediated by electron-electron scattering in the leads of quasi-classical PCs.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
E. S. Tikhonov, M. Yu. Melnikov, D. V. Shovkun, L. Sorba, G. Biasiol, V. S. Khrapai. 2014-10-09. Nonlinear transport and noise thermometry in quasi-classical ballistic point contacts. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.90.161405
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.